As part of a road safety drive, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Ministry of Interior have set the lifespan of used vehicles allowed to be imported into Cambodia to reduce accidents and protect the environment.

On Monday, Min Manavy, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the plan, which forms part of the government’s National Road Safety 2021-2030, is also in line with the United Nations Global Action Plan. This is based on the road traffic law and fits with national development in all areas.

She did not specify the limit on the age of used vehicles that will be allowed to be imported, but added the measure is in response to road traffic growth and other issues, including population, economic growth, vehicle growth, and road development.

Minavy said during a meeting at the Interior Ministry that the action plan is an important roadmap for preventing and reducing road deaths and injuries.

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Minister of Transport, Sun Chanthol, also suggested implementing restrictions on issuing license plates and driver licenses, pushing the use of electric vehicles and increasing road reparations.

Minister of Interior, Sar Kheng, added that to make the plan more meaningful and comprehensive, main factors need to be addressed, such as promoting the establishment of public and private parking, especially in service areas.

Moreover, Kheng said, is to look into the possibility of proposing to the government to set a limit on the years of manufacturing for vehicles imported into Cambodia.

Chheng Kimlong, Director of Asian Vision institute, agrees with the ministries’ plan to limit the years of a vehicle’s age before being imported into Cambodia as it helps avoid using vehicles that are not standard and protects the environment.

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“Some vehicles are so old and they demand more fuel. They give off more pollution when they are so old and increase the percentages of road danger also,” Kimlong said.

He added that local factories should be established and investment made into installation in Cambodia, which drives down vehicle prices, and means people spend less and have new cars to drive.